Product Description

A House Divided simulates the epic struggle of the American Civil War that was fought over the twin issues of slavery and state's rights. The period from 1840 to 1861 saw these issues brought to a boil, and in 1861 the nation became tangled in a terrible war that lasted four long years.

The game depicts the war between North and South from the First Battle of Bull Run (or Manassas Junction) to Lee's surrender at Appomattox Courthouse – or Grant's surrender at Harrisburg... Each player leads one of these two nations and makes the strategic decisions which determine the outcome of the war.

The game board represents the United States, north and south and from the Atlantic coast to just west of the Mississippi. The play map contains a number of boxes, each representing a city, town or locations important to the war. These boxes are connected by transportation lines – blue for rivers, tan for roads and black for railroads – which provide the paths to victory or defeat.

With point-to-point movement, low-complexity rules, and relatively few counters to maneuver, A House Divided can simulate the entire war, or the action can be broken up into year-long scenarios. Will you keep the Union whole or force the separation of the United States?

A great strategic overview of the American
Civil War. Components are beautiful and the
mapboard nicely regulates strategy and
transportation options without being too
complex. The basic rules are simple and
cohesive. Advanced and optional rules can be
easily added to as players see fit (and can
also adjust play balance as needed).

Few games has been able to show the realistic issues facing a historical simulation while making it a good game to play at the same time. This is a game of simple rules and great depth. Used by some educators to explain the ebb and flow of the American Civil War, it is an excellent game even if the subject doesn't interest you.